Shandon to become the “jewel in Cork’s crown”

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WITH the official opening of the Dr Mary Aherne Park, the second public park in Shandon, Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn has said that Shandon is “finally getting what it deserves”.

“We have spent €6 million since 2000 on a renewal of streetscape and now with two public parks things are going well in the heart of the north side, but what is becoming more evident is the interest of our new City Manager, Tim Lucey, in developing tourism on the north side of Cork which would be of great benefit to the City.

“Shandon has been pinpointed as the jewel in Cork’s crown" We are planning to totally redevelop the area and not just the craft centre but the public realm, this is apparent by or two new parks St Anne’s and Dr Mary Aherne, Shandon is he best tourist spot the city and has to offer more then just the famous bells for example Annie Moore, who left her home in Rowland’s Lane Shandon for New York in 1892 the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island facility in New York.

“The Shandon connection to Betsy Ross who presenting the first American flag to George Washington and who’s home is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia are strongly associated with the area.

“It boasts many historical and cultural attractions such as, of course the Shandon Steeple, which is the definitive landmark of Cork, Cork Butter Museum, associations with Jack Lynch, Nano Nagle, Joan Denise Moriarty, Mother Mary Aikenhead, Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, St Mary’s Church & Priory, The Exchange Toffee Works, The Guest House on Chapel Street, an arts project and residency space, The Jack Lynch House – a residence for visiting artists to the city, The maze of narrow laneways.

“Currently TEAM the new tourism unit at are meeting with members of the community, businesses in the area and local councillors to put together a plan for the Shandon area.

“Plans are under way for a new 2,500 sq ft sky studio at the Firkin Crane that will have 360 view over the city, personally I would like to see a professional genealogical research centre in the area.

“Shandon has a vibrant community spirit; a place where the Cork tradition of friendly and helpful neighbours still flourishes and where residents and business people have a huge sense of pride and appreciation of their locality.

“We saw it again this weekend at the Shandon Street Festival last weekend,” concluded Cllr O’Flynn.